By: Tommy Sidikie
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the High Court revoked the bail previously granted to Jehad Basma, Sheku Kabba, and Tamba Lebbie in connection with an alleged 264-carat diamond fraud.
During the hearing, State Counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay informed Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 about the absence of a key witness. He presented an order from Honourable Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens, instructing the magistrate to rescind the bail for the accused and stating that they should not be granted bail pending the resolution of the matter at the Magistrate Court.
Counsel Sesay clarified that the bail had not been granted by the lower court, but rather by the High Court on August 29, 2024, and had subsequently been revoked on October 2, 2024. He emphasized that the High Court’s order was unquestionable and should be adhered to.
In response, Defense Counsel Jesse M. Jengo Esq. argued that he was too senior to disregard an order from the High Court. After hearing the legal arguments, Magistrate Bangura stated that he had no authority to interfere with the High Court’s order and subsequently remanded the accused in custody.
Earlier, Kabba, Lebbie, and Basma were arraigned on three counts: conspiracy contrary to law, embezzlement contrary to Section 17(1)(b) of the Larceny Act of 1916, and receiving stolen goods contrary to Section 33(1)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The charge sheet alleges that between May 20 and 26, 2024, at Moryonfeh Village in Kono District, Kabba and Lebbie conspired with unknown individuals to commit embezzlement. They are accused of fraudulently embezzling a diamond weighing 264 carats, valued at approximately $42.24 million (equivalent to Le 1,003,200,000), the property of Benjamin Merer.
Furthermore, the charges state that Jehad Basma knowingly received the stolen diamond on the same date and at the same location.
